§ 30 Mr. Warbeyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he will give an assurance that the United Kingdom is prepared to join with other European countries in the drawing up of a combined programme of import credit requirements for 1948 and subsequent years, with a view to the presentation of joint proposals to the U.S.A. and any other country willing to make loans for economic recovery;
(2) whether he will propose to the second session of the Economic Commission for Europe the appointment of a special committee to study the import requirements of the European countries during the next few years, with a view to the drawing up of a combined programme for European economic recovery as a basis for requests for external financial assistance.
(3) whether he will propose to the second session of the Economic Commission for Europe the appointment of a special committee to study the respective national economic plans of the European member nations of the commission, including the United Kingdom and the U.S.S.R.; and to make recommendations for their co-ordination in the common interest.
§ Mr. BevinThese matters are at the present moment under the urgent consideration of His Majesty's Government and I am not vet in a position to make a statement. My hon. Friend will, no doubt, Shave seen the official statement on Mr. Marshall's speech at Harvard which was given to the Press on 6th June.
§ Mr. WarbeyWhen my right hon. Friend is considering his statement, will he bear in mind that the offer made by Mr. Marshall presents a great opportunity for British initiative to overcome the present economic divisions in Europe; and will he consider making it clear that Britain is prepared to play her part in such a combined European effort, on condition that there is no exclusion of any country on political or ideological grounds?
§ Sir Arthur SalterWill the right hon. Gentleman, in following up Mr. Marshall's proposals, be careful to choose a procedure which will reduce to the minimum the risk of delay or deadlock?
§ Mr. BevinYes, Sir. This question of following up Mr. Marshall's proposals is a very delicate subject. It not only has an effect on Europe, but I need not remind the House that we have a problem of our own coming upon us very shortly.